Niamey, Niger – On Monday, February 5, 2018, The United States Government and The Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) reaffirmed their commitment and collaboration to strengthen harmonization and delivery of development programs that aid millions of people throughout West Africa. U.S. Ambassador to Niger, Eric P. Whitaker, Alex Deprez, from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/West Africa and the Executive Secretary of CILSS, Dr. Djimé Adoum, recognized the multi-year Development Agreement between the two institutions. The signing ceremony was held at Palais des Congres and began at 14:00.

The original agreement was signed by Dr. Djimé Adoum, the Executive Secretary of CILSS, and USAID West Africa Regional Mission Director, Alexandre Deprez on December 16, 2015. Under this Development Agreement, the U.S. Government provides up to $240,756,000 (USD) over the period of five years, 2015 – 2019, in support of CILSS priorities, including: 

• Increasing Regional Integration;
• Improving Conservation and Resilient Low-emissions Growth (including improving water and sanitation access;
• Increasing Regional Trade and Investment in Targeted Products and Services; and
• Improving Sustainable Agricultural Productivity.

This signing ceremony obligated $23,700,000 USD, bringing the total funds obligated to date to $102,288,467. Notably, of the obligated amount, $15,700,000 will support regional agriculture including capacity building to regional institutions such as CILSS and $8,000,000 will support water and sanitation activities.

U.S. Ambassador Eric P. Whitaker witnessed the signing of the agreement at the CILSS headquarters in Niamey. Mr. Whitaker reiterated the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting African-led solutions by supporting regional organizations to better deliver on their respective mandates. He acknowledged that USAID’s regional development cooperation strategy also supports the  U.S. Government’s  stance that  promotes pathways toward self- reliance.

This ceremony underscored the deep and long standing cooperation between the United States Government, through USAID/ West Africa, and CILSS. Mr. Whitaker hoped that the signing of this Development Objective Agreement Amendment will help both institutions achieve their shared goals in improving the livelihoods of West Africans to achieve peace and prosperity, while advancing American interests.